Interferometric analysis method for the manufacture of nano-scale devices

ABSTRACT

The present invention features a method to determine relative spatial parameters between two coordinate systems, which may be a mold and a region of a substrate in which mold is employed to generate a pattern. The method includes sensing relative alignment between the two coordinate systems at multiple points and determines relative spatial parameters therebetween. The relative spatial parameters include a relative area and a relative shape.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The United States government has a paid-up license in this invention and the right in limited circumstance to require the patent owner to license other on reasonable terms as provided by the terms of N66001-01-1-8964 and N66001-02-C-8011 awarded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates generally to nano-fabrication of structures. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a system that facilitates analysis of multiple patterns in superimposition suited for the manufacture of nano-scale devices.

Nano-scale fabrication involves the fabrication of very small structures, e.g., having features on the order of one nano-meter or more. A promising process for use in nano-scale fabrication is known as imprint lithography. Exemplary imprint lithography processes are described in detail in numerous publications, such as United States published patent application 2004-0065976 filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/264,960, entitled “Method and a Mold to Arrange Features on a Substrate to Replicate Features having Minimal Dimensional Variability;” United States published patent application 2004-0065252 filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/264,926, entitled “Method of Forming a Layer on a Substrate to Facilitate Fabrication of Metrology Standards;” and United States published patent application 2004-0046271 filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/235,314, entitled “Method and a Mold to Arrange Features on a Substrate to Replicate Features having Minimal Dimensions Variability;” all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the basic concept behind imprint lithography is forming a relief pattern on a substrate that may function as, inter alia, an etching mask so that a pattern maybe formed into the substrate that corresponds to the relief pattern. A system employed to form the relief pattern includes a stage 10 upon which a substrate 12 is supported. A template 14, having a mold 16 with a patterning surface 18 thereon. Patterning surface 18 may be substantially smooth and/or planar or may be patterned so that one or more recesses are formed therein. Template 14 is coupled to an imprint head 20 to facilitate movement of template 14. A fluid dispense system 22 is coupled to be selectively placed in fluid communication with substrate 12 so as to deposit polymeric material 24 thereon. A source 26 of energy 28 is coupled to direct energy 28 along a path 30. Imprint head 20 and stage 10 are configured to arrange mold 16 and substrate 12, respectively, to be in superimposition and is disposed in path 30. Either imprint head 20, stage 10 or both vary a distance between mold 16 and substrate 12 to define a desired volume therebetween that is filled by polymeric material 24. Typically, polymeric material 24 is disposed upon substrate 12 before the desired volume is defined between mold 16 and substrate 12. However, polymeric material 24 may fill the volume after the desired volume has been obtained. After the desired volume is filled with polymeric material 24, source 26 produces energy 28, which causes polymeric material 24 to solidify and/or cross-link conforming to the shape of the substrate surface 24 and mold surface 18. Control of this process is regulated by processor 32 that is in data communication with stage 10 imprint head 20, fluid dispense system 22, source 26, operating on a computer readable program stored in memory 34.

To allow energy 28 to impinge upon polymeric material 24, it is desired that mold 16 be substantially transparent to the wavelength of energy 28 so that the same may propagate therethrough. Additionally, to maximize a flux of energy propagating through mold 16, energy has a sufficient cross-section to cover the entire area of mold 16 with no obstructions being present in path 30.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 often a pattern generated by mold 16 is disposed upon a substrate 112 in which a preexisting pattern in present. To that end, a primer layer 36 is typically deposited upon patterned features, shown as recesses 38 and protrusions 40, formed into substrate 112 to provide a smooth, if not planar, surface 42 upon which to form a patterned imprint layer (not shown) from polymeric material 24 disposed upon surface 42. To that end, mold 16 and substrate 112 include alignment marks, which may include sub-portions of the patterned features. For example, mold 16 may have alignment marks, referred to as mold alignment marks, which are defined by features 44 and 46. Substrate 112 may include alignment marks, referred to as substrate alignment marks, which are defined by features 48 and 50.

Not obtaining proper alignment between mold 16 and substrate 112 can introduce errors in that pattern recorded on substrate 112. In addition, to standard alignment errors, magnification/run out errors can creates distortions in the recorded pattern due, inter alia, to extenuative variations between mold 16 and region of substrate 112 to be patterned. The magnification/run-out errors occur when a region of substrate 112 in which the pattern on mold 16 is to be recorded exceeds the area of the pattern on mold 16. Additionally, magnification/run-out errors occur when the region of substrate 112 in which the pattern of mold 16 is to be recorded has an area smaller than the original pattern. The deleterious effects of magnification/run-out errors are exacerbated when forming multiple patterns in a common region. Additional errors may occur were the pattern on mold 16 rotated, about an axis normal to substrate 112, with respect to the region on substrate 112 in which the pattern on mold 16 is to be recorded. This is referred to as orientation error. Additionally, when the shape of the periphery of mold 16 differs from the shape of the perimeter of the region on substrate 112 on which the pattern is to be recorded also causes distortion. This typically occurs when transversely extending perimeter segments of either mold 16 and/or region of substrate 112 are not orthogonal. This is referred to as skew/orthogonality distortions.

To ensure proper alignment between the pattern on substrate 112 with the pattern generated by mold 16 it is desired to ensure proper alignment between the mold and substrate alignment marks. This has typically been achieved employing the aided eye, e.g., an alignment system 53 selectively placed in optical communication with both mold 16 and substrate 12, concurrently. Exemplary alignment systems have included ocular microscopes or other imaging systems. Alignment system 53 typically obtains information parallel to path 30. Alignment is then achieved manually by an operator or automatically using a vision system.

A need exists, therefore, to provide improved alignment techniques for imprint lithographic processes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features a method to determine relative spatial parameters between two coordinate systems, which may be a mold and a region of a substrate in which mold is employed to generate a pattern. The method includes sensing relative alignment between the two coordinate systems at multiple points and determines relative spatial parameters therebetween. The relative spatial parameters include a relative area and a relative shape. These and other embodiments are discussed more fully below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified plan view of an imprint lithography system in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a patterned substrate having a plurality of layers disposed thereon with a mold in superimposition therewith in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an imprint lithography system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view and partial block diagram showing the components of an interferometric analysis tool shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with the present invention, with a template being shown from a top down perspective view;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the template shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing multiple series of features that may be included in alignment mark elements shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of alignment mark features having a first pitch that may be associated with one or more of the series of features shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of alignment mark features having a second pitch that may be associated with one or more of the series of features shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing features that may be included in substrate alignment mark elements shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of alignment mark features associated with one or more of the series of features shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an image sensed by one or more of detectors shown in FIG. 4 when alignment marks features shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 are in superimposition and possess a non-zero offset;

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an image sensed by one or more of detectors shown in FIG. 4 when alignment marks features shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 are in superimposition and possess a zero offset;

FIG. 13 is a graphical representation showing the intensity signal produced by one of the detectors shown in FIG. 4 in response to the image of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the features of FIG. 9 in accordance with an alternate embodiment, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 a simplified perspective view of the stage shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a simplified plan view demonstrating one method of course alignment adjustment of a detector with respect to a template alignment mark in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing features that may be included in substrate alignment mark elements shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with an alternate embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing multiple series of features that may be included in alignment mark elements shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with an alternate embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the alignment mark configuration resulting from the alignment mark elements shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 upon the same being in superimposition;

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the alignment mark configuration shown in FIG. 19 in accordance with a first alternate embodiment; and

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the alignment mark configuration shown in FIG. 19 in accordance with a second alternate embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 3, the present invention includes an imprint lithography system 50 that has a template 52, retained within a template stage 54, a substrate 56 supported upon a substrate stage 60 and an interferometric analysis tool (iMAT™) 62 is in optical communication with both template 52 and substrate 56. Also are a polymeric fluid dispensing system and a source of actinic radiation, both of which are typically included in imprint lithography systems, as discussed with respect to FIG. 1, but are not shown for clarity. An exemplary template stage includes a chucking system (not shown) and an actuator sub-assembly (not shown) coupled to imprint head 20 through a flexure system (not shown all of which are described in co-pending U.S. patent application number (unassigned), filed (herewith), entitled SYSTEM FOR MAGNIFICATION AND SITORTION CORRECTION DURING NANO-SCALE MANUFACTURE, with Anshuman Cherala, Byung-Jin Choi, Pawan Kumar Nimmakayala, Mario J. Meissl and Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan listed as inventors and having attorney docket number P154-30V147 and is incorporated by reference herein.

iMAT™ 62 is coupled with both stages 54 and 60 to communicate therewith over feedback loop 64 to facilitate proper spatial arrangement between two coordinate systems, one defined by template 52 and one defined by substrate 56 to obtain a desired spatial arrangement therebetween. To that end, iMAT™ 62 produces data concerning multiple spatial parameters of both template 52 and substrate 56 and determines signals in response thereto to ensure differences between the spatial parameters are within desired tolerances. To that end, iMAT™ 62 is coupled to sense one or more of alignment marks on template 52, referred to as template alignment marks 65, as well as one or more of the alignment marks on substrate 56, referred to as substrate alignment marks 66. iMAT™ 62 can determine multiple relative spatial parameters of template 52 and substrate 56 based upon information obtained from sensing alignment marks 65 and 66. The spatial parameters includes misalignment therebetween, along X and Y directions, as well as relative size difference between substrate 56 and template 52 in the X and Y directions, referred to as a relative magnification/run out measurement, and relative non-orthogonality of two adjacent transversely extending edges on either template 52 and/or substrate 56, referred to as a skew measurement. Additionally, iMAT™ 62 can determine relative rotational orientation about the Z direction, which is substantially normal to a plane in which template 52 lies and a surface of substrate 56 facing template 52.

Referring to FIG. 4, iMAT™ 62 includes a plurality of detection systems, shown as 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120, as well as two illumination sources 94 and 124. Each of detection systems 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 includes a detector, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 respectively. Each of detection systems 70, 80, 100 and 110 includes a source of illumination, shown as 74, 84, 104, and 114, respectively. Each of illumination sources 74, 84, 94, 104, 114 and 124 is coupled to impinge energy, such as light, upon a region of template 52 with which detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122, respectively, are in optical communication, i.e., lying within the field of view. Specifically, detector 72 is in optical communication with a region 200 of template 52 that comprises alignment marks disposed on a mold 198 through focusing optics 78 and a half-silvered (50/50) mirror 76.

Illumination source 74 produces optical energy that impinges upon half-silvered (50/50) mirror 76 that is then directed along a path p₁ to illuminate region 200. A portion of the optical energy impinging upon region 200 returns along path p₁, passing through half silvered mirror 76 and focused onto detector 72 by focusing optics 78. In a similar fashion, detector 82 is placed in optical communication with region 202 with half-silvered (50/50) mirror 86 and focusing optics 88 to sense optical energy, produced by illumination source 84, returning along path p₂. Detector 102 is placed in optical communication with region 206 with half-silvered (50/50) mirror 106 and focusing optics 108 to sense optical energy, produced by illumination source 104, returning along path p₄. Detector 112 is placed in optical communication with region 212 with half-silvered (50/50) mirror 116 and focusing optics 118 to sense optical energy, produced by illumination source 114, returning along path p₇. In this fashion, detection systems 70, 80, 100 and 110 employ co-axial illumination and detection. Exemplary systems for use a detectors 72, 82, 102 and 112 are available from Sony, Inc. under model numbers XEES50, XEHR58 and XE75.

To ensure that the entire area of mold 198 is exposed to allow actinic radiation to propagate therethrough, none of detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122; illuminations sources 74, 84, 94, 104, 114 and 124; and other components of the optical train are in superimposition therewith. To that end, each of paths P₁-P₈ forms an angle with respect to a normal to mold 198 in a range of 2° to 15°. With this configuration each of detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 are arranged to sense desired wavelengths of radiation propagating from regions 200, 202, 204, 206, 212 and 214, respectively, while rejecting substantially all other wavelengths of other orders. For example, each of detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 are arranged to sense one order (say first order, or higher orders, diffracted wavelengths of light from regions 200, 202, 204, 206, 212 and 214, respectively, while rejecting substantially all other wavelengths of other orders.

Detection systems 90 and 120, however, do not employ co-axial illumination and detection. Rather, illumination sources for detections systems 90 and 120 are disposed opposite detectors. For example, illumination source 94 directs energy along path p₆ to impinge upon region 204. A portion of the energy returning from region 204 propagates along path p₃ and is collected by optical train 98, which focuses the same on detector 92. In a similar fashion, illumination source 124 directs energy along path p₅ to impinge upon region 214, with a portion of the energy returning therefrom propagating along path p₈. The energy propagating along path p8 is collected by optical train 128 that focuses the same on detector 122. These non-coaxial illumination units can be used to capture the images with a faster speed as compared to the other co-axial illumination units. By illuminating from the opposite direction, the beam does not pass through or reflect off of the 50/50 mirror. Therefore, a higher energy of illumination can reach the detector. For the purpose of higher speed imaging, it is desired to maximize the beam intensity reaching the detector. Exemplary detection systems are available from Darsa Corporation of Waterloo, Canada as model numbers 1M150 and 1M75.

Although six detection systems are shown, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 are shown, any number of detection systems may be present, dependent upon the spatial parameters of interested. For example, more than six detection systems may be employed so that two detection systems may be positioned to sense information from a common region among regions 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 and 214, resulting in eight, ten and twelve detection systems being present (not shown). It is also possible that each of detection systems 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 concurrently obtain information from more than one of regions 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 and 214. In this manner, a highly redundant set of data can be gathered by the detectors.

Each of detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112, 122 produces a signal, in response to the optical energy sensed, which is received by a processor 130 in data communication therewith. Processor 130 operates on a computer readable code stored in memory 132, in data communication therewith, to determine relative spatial parameters between two coordinate systems, such as mold 26 and a region 69 of substrate 56 in superimposition therewith in which patterning is to occur. The area of region 69 is typically coextensive with the area of mold 198.

Referring to FIG. 5 disposed at each corner of mold 26 is a set of alignment marks, shown as 220, 230, 240 and 250. Each set of alignment marks includes an template alignment mark element (TAME) that consists of a plurality of parallel lines spaced apart along a direction, with the direction along which the plurality of lines associated with one of the TAMEs are spaced being orthogonal to the direction along which the plurality of lines are spaced that are associated with the remaining TAME. For example, set 220, includes TAMEs 221 and 222. TAME 221 includes a plurality of parallel lines 223 spaced-apart along the X direction, defining a pitch 224. TAME 222 includes a plurality of parallel lines 225 spaced-apart along the Y direction, defining a pitch 226. Similarly, lines 233 of TAME 231 are spaced-apart along the X direction as are lines 243 of TAME 241 and lines 253 of TAME 251. Lines 235 of TAME 232 are spaced apart along the Y direction, as are lines 245 of TAME 242 and lines 255 of TAME 252.

Referring to both FIGS. 4 and 5, each TAME 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 are uniquely associated with one of regions 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 and 214. Specifically, the spacing between adjacent alignment marks associated with one of the pairs of alignment mark pairs 220, 230, 240 and 250 is established so as to be absent from the region associated with the adjacent TAME. For example, the relative dimensions of each of TAMEs and regions are established so that the entire TAME is present with the region. As a result, TAME 221 is associated with region 200, TAME 222 is associated with region 202, TAMEs 232 and 231 are associated with regions 204 and 206, respectively. TAMEs 241 and 242 are associated with regions 208 and 210 respectively; and TAMEs 252 and 251 are associated with regions 212 and 214, respectively. Hiatuses 260 and 267, however, are established so that TAME 221 lays outside of both regions 214 and 202, and both TAMEs 251 and 222 lie outside of region 200. As a result, minimized is the amount of energy returning from outside of region 200, such as regions 202 and 214 and the distant regions 204, 206, 208, 210 and 212, that is sensed by detector 72. For the same reasons, hiatuses 261 and 262 are established so that TAME 232 lays outside of both regions 202 and 206, and both TAMEs 231 and 222 lie outside of region 204. Hiatuses 263 and 264 are established so that TAME 241 lays outside of both regions 206 and 210, and both TAMEs 231 and 242 lie outside of region 208. Hiatuses 265 and 266 are established so that TAME 252 lays outside of regions 210 and 214, and both TAMEs 242 and 251 lie outside of region 212.

Referring to both FIGS. 5 and 6, although each of TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 comprise a single set of parallel lines, each may comprise of any number of sets of parallel lines, e.g., 1-n sets where n is an integer number. As a result one or more of TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 may comprise of multiple sets of parallel lines. In the present embodiment, TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 251 and 252 each includes three sets of parallel lines, shown as 270, 271 and 272 in abutting relationship so that the spacing therebetween in minimized. The spacing, or pitch, between adjacent pairs of parallel lines is substantially constant over the length of the sets 270, 272 and 274, with set 270 extending a length between opposed termini 273 and 274, set 271 extending a length between opposed termini 275 and 276; and set 272 extending a length between opposed termini 277 and 278. Although sets 270, 271 and 272 are shown extending coextensive with one another, this is not necessary.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the pitch, measured along direction D₁, associated with one of sets 270, 271 and 272 differs from the pitch associated with the remaining sets 270, 271 and 272. In the present example, the pitch associated with sets 270 and 272 match, with the pitch associated with set 271 differing from the pitch associated with sets 270 and 272. For example, sets 270 and 272 each has 41 parallels lines with a width 280 approximately 1 micron wide, measured along direction D₁. Adjacent lines are separated by a hiatus 282 of approximately 1 micron, measured along direction D₁, resulting in sets 270 and 272 having 40 hiatuses providing a pitch of 2 microns. Set 271 has 39 parallels lines with a width 284 approximately 1.025 micron wide, measured along direction D₁. Adjacent lines are separated by a hiatus 286, measured along direction D₁, of approximately 1.025 micron, resulting in set 271 having 40 hiatuses providing a pitch of 2.05 microns. A length of lines, measured along direction D₂, is approximately 45 microns.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 6 and 9, to determine relative spatial parameters between mold 198 and region 69, alignment marks 66 includes a plurality of alignment mark elements, referred to substrate alignment mark elements (SAME) 166. At least one of SAMEs 166 are in superimposition with one of TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 and extend substantially coextensive therewith. In the present embodiment each of the TAMEs, 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 are in superimposition with one of the plurality of SAMEs 166. Specifically, each TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 in superimposition with one of the SAME 166, differs from the TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 in superimposition with the remaining SAMEs 166.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 6, 9 and 10, an exemplary SAME 166 may comprise a single set of spaced-apart parallel lines, as discussed above with respect to TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252. It is desired, however, to collect first order diffraction wavelength at an angle oblique to the normal to mold 198, propagating along one of paths P₁-P₄ and P₇-P₈. To that end, a pattern is employed that is periodic in two orthogonal directions. Referred to as a checkerboard pattern. Moreover, it is desired to employ three sets of checkerboard patterns, shown as 370, 371 and 372. The three sets of checkerboard patterns 370, 371 and 372 are in abutting relationship so that the spacing therebetween in minimized. Each checkerboard pattern includes a plurality of features 373 each of which is in general rectangular in shape. Each pair of adjacent features is separated by a hiatus 374. The spacing, or pitch, between adjacent pairs of features 373, along direction D₁, in sets 370 and 372 is substantially identical to the pitch of set 271. The spacing, or pitch, between adjacent pairs of features 373, along direction D₂, in sets 371 is substantially identical to the pitch of sets 270 and 272.

To facilitate sensing of wavelengths propagating along a path that is angled obliquely with respect to zero order specularly reflected wavelengths, the oblique angle selected is dependent upon the geometry of SAME 166, as well as TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 and the order of diffraction wavelengths sensed. For example, first order diffraction wavelengths at an oblique angle, e.g., in a range of 2° to 15° with respect to a normal to mold 198 in order to obtain information substantially independent of a distance between mold 198 and region 69. To that end, the pitch of pairs of adjacent features 373, measured along direction D₂, is approximately 2.2 microns. With this configuration, placement of one of TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 in superimposition with substrate alignment mark 166 results in set 270 being in superimposition with set 370 and extending coextensive therewith; set 271 is in superimposition with set 371, extending coextensive; and set 272 is in superimposition with set 372, extending coextensive therewith. Typical dimensions for TAMEs and SAMEs may be as high as 400 microns along the direction D₁ and 150 to 250 microns along the direction D₂, i.e., each of the parallel lines are 150 to 250 microns in length. They may be significantly lower in dimension, for example 100 micron along D₁ direction and 40 micron in length. Alternatively, the dimension along D₁ may be higher (˜1 mm) and D₂ may be lower (˜40 microns).

Referring to FIGS. 4, 6, 9 and 11, upon being placed in superimposition with a SAME 166, the direction D₁ extends parallel to the X-direction for TAMEs 221, 231, 241 and 251, as well as the SAME 166 in superimposition therewith. The direction D, extends parallel to the Y-direction for TAMEs 222,232,242 and 252 and the SAME in superimposition therewith. In this manner, light impinging upon each TAME 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 diffracts causing the first order diffraction wavelengths to be sensed by one of detector 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 in optical communication therewith. For example light diffracted from TAME 221 is sensed by detector 72, light diffracted from TAME 222 is sensed by detector 82; light diffracted from TAME 232 is sensed by detector 92; light diffracted by TAME 231 is sensed by detector 102; light diffracted by TAME 251 is sensed by detector 122; and light diffracted by TAME 252 is sensed by detector 112. Typically, alignment occurs in the present of polymeric material that substantially fills the volume defined between mold 198 and region 69, referred to as in contact liquid align. To that end, it is desired that polymeric material not be disposed between and one of TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and the SAME 166 in superimposition therewith. To that end, it may be desired to employ as template 52, the template disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/917,761, filed Aug. 13, 2004, Moat System For An Imprint Lithography Template, which is assigned to assignee of the present invention and is incorporated by reference herein.

Upon sensing the first order diffraction light, each of detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 obtains an image 469, shown in FIG. 11, of three series of spatial varying light intensities 470, 471 and 472 in which a adjacent high intensity regions 473 are separated a distance, d, by a low intensity region 474. Series 470 corresponds to diffractive light generated by the superimposition of sets 270 and 370. Similarly series 471 corresponds to superimposition of sets 271 and 371, and series 472 corresponds to superimposition of sets 272 and 372. A desired spatial arrangement between region 69 and mold 198 is present upon high intensity regions 473 among series 470, 471 and 472 being positioned to generate a specific off-set corresponding to the template and substrate relative geometric information, which may be desired or may simply indicate misalignment.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 11 and 12, in response to sensing images, such as images 469 and 475, each of detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 produces a signal that is received by processor 130. As a result, six signals are received by processor 130. The following discuss, however described the process with respect to one of the signals generated by detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 for clarity, with the understanding that the process occurs on each signal produced by the remaining detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122. The signal includes all of the information captured by detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122, i.e., information in the field of view. The field of view of each of detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 is approximately 758 microns, measured along 477, by 500 microns, measured along 480. A program stored in memory 132 is operated on by processor 130 to identify a region of interest 478 that is a sub-portion of the field of view in which substantially all information other than that concerning sets 470, 471 and 472 is omitted. To that end, the region of interest (ROI) is established to be an even multiple of pixels along both directions: 695 pixels along 479 and 192 pixels along 480. As a result, the dimensions of ROI 478 is a function of the dimensions associated with TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 and TAME 166.

The size of series 470, 471 and 472 corresponds to the size of TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252, which is equal to the size of TAME 166. The dimensions of the ROI 478 is established by dividing the width and height associated with SAME 166 and TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 231, 241, 242, 251 and 252 by the size of the pixels of detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122. Additionally, the dimension of ROI 478 along direction 480 is selected so as to be an even multiple of the number of series 470, 471 and 472, which in the present example is three.

Each of the pixels may have a value associated therewith ranging from 0-255. The pixel values are mapped into memory 132 at locations referred to as a memory space. As a result, for each series 470, 471 and 472 is mapped into the memory space as an array having values, from 0 to 255 arranged in 695 columns and 64 rows. Thus, memory 132 has three arrays of values mapped therein corresponding to the image sensed by detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122.

For each of the three arrays mapped into memory space, a one-dimensional array of 695 values is generated. This is accomplished by obtaining, for each of the 695 columns, an average value for the values associated with the 64 rows. This corresponds to a substantially three sinusoidal representations of the information 481, 482 and 483 obtained from series 470, 471 and 472, respectively. Each of the sinusoids are treated as a time varying signal and are mapped into the frequency domain employing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) or a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) being windowed between addresses corresponding to pixels 0-694. Thereafter, the information in the bin associated with the whole number of periods present in the ROI is analyzed. The ATAN2 function of the values in the aforementioned bins is determined to find the phase value φ₁, φ₂, and φ₃ associated with each sinusoidal signal 481, 482 and 483, respectively. The phase values φ₁, φ₂, and φ₃, having a value of −π to π, are determined with respect to the origin of the region of interest 478, i.e., where the region of interest 478 commences.

A difference in phase values between sinusoids 481, 482 and 483 is determined as follows: Δ₁=φ₁−φ₂;   1) Δ₂=φ₃−φ₂.   2) Although only one of equations 1 and 2 need be solved, the resolution of the phase difference measurements is doubled by obtaining two differential phase measurements. To attenuate, if not vitiate, error attributable to the detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122, an average of the differences determined in equations 1 and 2 is determined as follows: (Δ₁−Δ₂)/2=Δ₃.   3) Then the absolute phase difference, Δ₄, between sinusoids 418, 482 and 483 is obtained as follows: Δ₃/2=Δ₄   4)

From equation 4) the corresponding linear displacement, D, between template 56 and mold 198 may be determined from phase Δ₄ as follows: D=P ₁ P ₂Δ₄/4π(P₁−P₂)   5) P₁ is the pitch associated with SAME 371, along direction D₁, and TAMEs 270 and 272, and P₂ is the pitch associated with TAME 271 and SAMEs 370 and 372. In this manner, detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 facilitate obtaining information concerning six different displacement measurements between region 69 and mold 198, i.e., one measurement from each of regions 200, 202, 204, 206, 212 and 214. From these six displacement measurements, various relative spatial parameters concerning mold 198 and region 69 may be determined as discussed by Armitage, Jr. et al. in Analysis of Overlay Distortion Patterns, SPIE Vol. 921, pp. 208-222 (1988), which is incorporated by reference herein. Exemplary spatial parameters are linear misalignment along two orthogonal directions, e.g., the X and Y-directions, rotational misalignment along a third direction extending orthogonal thereto, e.g., the Z-direction. Differences in area, referred to as magnification differences and difference in orthogonality between the perimeter of mold 198 and region 69. The spatial parameters are ascertained as a function of the relation between the ideal location of TAMEs 221, 223, 231, 233, 241, 243, 251 and 253 with respect to the features on mold 198 in reference to the detailed template placement data present in the template design that is typically information defining the placement of features on template and, therefore, mold 198, used when fabricating the template. To that end, information concerning the template placement data is stored in memory 132 to be operated on by processor 130. From the template placement data, the relative spatial parameters may be obtained, using a least squared solution, for the following equations: X _(s) =X ₀ +S _(x) X _(w)cos(θ)+S _(y) Y _(w)sin(θ)+Y _(w) sin(φ)   6) Y _(s) =Y ₀ −S _(x)X_(w)sin(θ)+S _(y) Y _(w)cos(θ)+X _(w) sin(φ)   7) where X_(s) is the measured displacement, D, along the X-direction as determined from equation 5 and summed with the X_(w). The known quantity X_(w) is the ideal location along the X-direction of the TAME of interest with respect to features of mold 198. Similarly, known quantity Y_(w) is the ideal location along the Y-direction of the TAME of interest with respect to features of mold 198. Therefore, Y_(s) is the measured displacement, D, along the Y-direction as determined from equation 5 and summed with the Y_(w). The variable X₀ is the offset between mold 198 and region 69 along the X-direction. Similarly, the variable Y₀ is the offset between mold 198 and region 69 along the Y-direction. Variables S_(x) and S_(y) are the differences in between mold 198 and region 69 along the X and Y-directions, respectively. The variable θ is the difference in rotational position between mold 198 and region 69 about the Z-direction. The variable φ is the difference in orthogonality between the perimeter of mold 198 and the perimeter of region 69. As a result, magnification/run out parameters and orthogonality parameters may be determined substantially independent of the distance between mold 198 and region 69, i.e., solely from X-Y displacement parameters.

Specifically, upon determining the relative spatial parameters between mold 198 and region 69, processor 130 generates control signals to regulate the operation of stages 54 and 60 so that desired registration between mold 198 and region 69 is achieved. Registration is demonstrated by detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 sensing images 469 or 475 shown in FIG. 11 as having a desired offset and FIG. 12 as having no offset, at each of regions 200, 202, 204, 206, 212 and 214. In a typical alignement process the measurements discussed above are taken as the distance betweein mold 198 and region 69 varies, e.g., becoming closer in proximity along the Z-direction. For example, the measurements and control signals may be generated when mold 198 and region 69 are spaced-apart a distance of 4 microns, 1 micron or a final distance in which a volume is defined therebetween that is substantially filled with polymeric material. As a result, the spatial parameters may be determined and control signals generated in real time during the imprinting process so as to minimize relative spatial parameters between mold 198 and region that are undesirable.

During curing of imprinting material by hardening or cross-linking, the very photons that are needed for curing may also cause heating of mold 198 and region 69. If the intensity of curing light is maintained reasonably uniform, mold 198 and region 69 may heat up uniformly. The differential heating and/or the differential CTE can cause alignment mismatches during exposure up to the point where the imprinting material has not jelled to behave like a solid that adheres to the substrate. However, the average misalignment may either be estimated by simulations or by using the alignment measurement systems described here, and the size of the mold 198 or region 69 can be pre-corrected in such a way that a desired scaling (magnification) mismatch is achieved using the iMAT 62 just prior to curing. It is desirable that the wavelengths used for alignment metrology need to be substantially different from the curing light.

Based upon the foregoing implementation of Fourier analysis to determine the phase of sinusoids 481, 482 and 483, it becomes apparent that the accuracy of these measurements is dependent, in part, upon the proper determining of the ROI 478. This is to ensure that all information concerning series is obtained 470, 471 and 472 are obtained. To that end, it is desired that ROI 478 be established to within a pixel-distance of a corresponding reference point of a reference coordinate system. In the present example, the reference coordinate system is mold 198, but it should be understood that the reference coordinate system may be region 69. As a result, in the present example, the ROI 478 is established to be within a pixel-distance of the corresponding reference point on mold 198. This ensures proper registration of ROI 478 with respect to series 470, 471 and 472.

Desired registration of ROI 478, however, is problematic. This is due to the collection optics associated with each of detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 being configured to collect first order diffracted wavelengths from regions 200, 202, 204, 206, 212 and 214 propagating along a path that forms an oblique with respect to a normal to mold 198. As a result, light impinging upon regions 200, 202, 204, 206, 212 and 214, from sources 74, 84, 94, 104, 114 and 124, respectively, will result in very little information corresponding to TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252, respectively, absent SAME 166 being in superimposition therewith. Furthermore, proper positioning of a SAME 166 in superimposition with one of TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 in the absence of proper registration of regions 200, 202, 204, 206, 212 and 204 with TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 is problematic. One manner to overcome this difficulty is to implement a two step registration process to obtain accurate positioning of region of interest 478. During the first stage course alignment is achieved to within a few pixel sizes of resolution. Specifically, the course alignment scheme should allows the positioning of mold 198 relative to region 69 wafer to within one period 481, 482 and 483. An off-axis imaging system having a high numerical aperture that is linked to iMAT 62 by structural support having a low CTE (example invar or Zerodur materials) is desirable. Also appropriately strong mounts are desired so that the relative location between iMAT 62 and an off-axis camera (not shown) is minimally affected by vibrations. In the present embodiment, the course alignment is achieved by including, on mold 198 a plurality of groups 500-507 of spaced-apart parallel lines defining gratings having a pitch measured orthogonally to the pitch of sets 270, 271 and 272.

Groups 500 and 507 are configured in a shape of an arrow, with the point of group 500 being proximate to a corner of series 270 and the point of group 507 being proximate to a corner of series 272, disposed on a side thereon opposite to group 500. Spaced apart evenly along the D₁-direction are groups 501-506, each of which are configured in a triangular shape. The apex of each of groups 501, 503 and 505 are positioned proximate to and faces series 270. The apex of each of groups 502, 504 and 506 is positioned proximate to and faces series 272. The spaced-apart and parallel lines associated with groups 500-507 provide with the requisite pitch and dimensions to facilitate sensing by detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122. Pitches of groups 500-507 may be the same as that of the checkered board so that the 1^(st) order, or higher order if so desired, diffracted wavelengths can be collected and sensed by a detector.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 10, 14 and 15, the configuration of groups 500-507 permits locating the ROI 478 to sufficient to enable phase computation, as discussed above. Thereafter, fine alignment occurs by obtaining the absolute phase difference, Δ₄, discussed above, to properly register the field of view with the detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122. To that end, an oversized checkerboard pattern (OCP) 600 is disposed to be in superimposition with mold 198 and may include sets 370, 371 and 372 each if which has features 373 separated by a hiatus 374. The dimensions of any one of sets 370, 371 and 372 may be established to be substantially larger in area than mold 198 area. In this manner, relaxed may be the alignment tolerances to place and one of sets 370, 371 and 372 of OCP 600 in superimposition with one or more of TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252. To that end, any one of sets 370, 371 and 372 of OCP 600 may be sufficiently larger so as to be concurrently in superimposition with each of TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 or any subset thereof. With this configuration OCP 600 may be moved along X and Y axes and rotated about Z-axis to be placed in superimposition with one or more TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 and in proper orientation therewith to produce the first order diffraction wavelengths desired to achieve proper registration. Alternatively OCP 600 may include only one of sets 370, 371 and 372. In this fashion, OCP 600 may be coextensive with the area of substrate 56 and placed in region 601 of stage 60 upon which substrate 56 is supported. In this fashion, OCP 600 is merely rotated about Z-axis to facilitate the first order diffraction sensed by detectors to measure proper registration. Alternatively, OCP 600 may be disposed on a region 602 of stage 60, outside of region 601. With this configuration OCP 600 may be moved along X and Y axes and rotated about Z-axis to be placed in superimposition with one or more TAMEs 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 and in proper orientation therewith to produce the first order diffraction wavelengths desired to achieve proper registration.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 16, in an alternative embodiment, proper registration of region of interest 478 may be achieved while omitting plurality of groups 500-507. Specifically, as opposed to first order diffraction wavelengths, the present example employs sensing, by detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122, of specularly reflected light. The present method is discussed with respect to detector 72, but applies equally to the remaining detectors of the plurality of detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122. An illumination source 800 is moved until one of detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 receives a substantial change in flux of light. To that end, it is desired that region 601 be reflective of the illumination generated by source 800. Upon sensing of the desired flux of energy, the relative positions of detector 72 and source 800 are locked so that both move in synchronization over area of mold 198 to illuminate and sense one of TAMEs 221, 223, 231, 233, 241, 243, 251, 253, in this case TAME 221. Thereafter, the position of detector 72 is fixed with respect to TAME 221 and source 880 is moved to a position so that one of the remaining detectors, e.g., detectors 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 sense a substantial change in flux of light. Then the process is repeated. After the position of each of detectors 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122 is fixed with respect to TAMEs, 221, 223, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252, the fine alignment technique discussed above is undertaken to properly register ROI 478.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 17 and 18, SAME 166 and TAMEs 221, 223, 231, 233, 241, 243, 251, 253 may comprise of any number of designs for alignment marks. For example, SAME 766 may include two pairs of spaced-apart gratings elements 767, 768, 769 and 770. As shown grating elements 767 and 769 are coextensive in area, in superimposition with one another along direction D₂ and spaced apart from each other along direction D₁. Each of grating elements 767 and 769 and each includes a series parallel lines, spaced-apart along direction D₂. Grating elements 768 and 770 are coextensive in area, in superimposition with one another along direction D₁ and spaced apart from each other along direction D₂. Each of gratings 768 and 770 includes a series parallel lines, spaced-apart along direction D₁. One or more of TAMEs 221, 223, 231, 233, 241, 243, 251, 253, on the other hand, would include two pairs 866 of spaced-apart gratings elements 867, 868, 869 and 870. As shown grating elements 867 and 869 are coextensive in area, in superimposition with one another along direction D₂ and spaced apart from each other along direction D₁, a distance that is less than the distance that gratings 767 and 769 are spaced-apart. Each of grating elements 867 and 869 and each includes a series parallel lines, spaced-apart along direction D₂. Grating elements 868 and 870 are coextensive in area, in superimposition with one another along direction D₁ and spaced apart from each other along direction D₂, a distance that is less than the distance that gratings 768 and 770 are spaced-apart. Each of gratings 868 and 870 includes a series parallel lines, spaced-apart along direction D₁. With this configuration two pairs 866 are arranged to lie within SAME 766 upon proper registration of mold 198 with substrate region 69, shown as 966 in FIG. 19.

Referring to FIGS. 17, 18 and 20, it should be understood that each of gratings 766, 767, 768, 769, 868, 867, 869 and 870 may include a checkerboard pattern, as discussed above and shown as gratings 967, 968, 969, 970 and 1067, 1068, 1069 and 1070. Finally, as shown in FIG. 21, gratings 967, 968, 969, 970 may be formed so as to be contiguous, thereby defining a box 1166, as may gratings 1067, 1068, 1069 and 1070, defining box 1266.

The alignment schemes presented here may be used in the presence of optical elements whose parameters are not precisely known without significantly compromising the quality of the measured signals. For example, the template can be nominally 1 to 10 mm thick and the tolerance on its thickness can be 0.1 mm or higher. In addition, the imprint system may have additional windows through which the alignment has to be performed the optical properties of which may vary. For example, a 1 mm thick transparent window may be subjected to air pressure causing it to be stressed by varying amounts during the alignment process.

The embodiments of the present invention described above are exemplary. Many changes and modifications may be made to the disclosure recited above, while remaining within the scope of the invention. For example, each of the above mentioned alignment mark configurations may be imaged using zero order signal provided an inclined illumination source is reflected off of the marks to a detector that is inclined at an equal but opposite angle. Alternatively, these marks may also be created in such a way that their patterned regions are created from parallel lines to enhance the ability to image their first or higher order diffraction signal from an inclined detection system. The SAME regions may be hollow box or cross with a solid box or cross shape for the TAME corresponding thereto, or vice versa, and corresponding target for if the TAME is a universal alignment target. The SAME targets have solid features if zero order imaging is pursued. With inclined illumination, a zero order imaging can be achieved using an inclined collecting optics. If higher order imaging is pursued, the targets may be created as a composite of parallel lines with appropriate orientation as a function of the orientation of the inclined collector optics. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. 

1. A method to determine relative spatial parameters between two coordinate systems, said method comprising: varying a distance between said two coordinate system along a first direction while ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinate systems along a second direction, orthogonal to said first direction and at multiple points to determine relative spatial parameters therebetween at differing distances along said first direction.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinates systems is along a third direction that is orthogonal to both said first and second directions.
 3. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said ascertaining spatial parameters include ascertaining alignment, magnification and skew parameters.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinate systems further includes sensing optical energy diffracted at an oblique angle with respect to a normal to one of said two coordinate systems.
 5. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinate systems further includes sensing optical energy diffracted at an oblique angle with respect to a normal to one of said two coordinate systems and propagating from said multiple points.
 6. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinate systems occurs when said distance has a magnitude associated therewith from a set of magnitudes consisting essentially of 4 microns and 1 micron.
 7. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said one of said two coordinate systems is a mold with a remaining coordinate system being a wafer, with ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinate systems further including ascertaining relative alignment at a final distance, with a volume being defined between said mold and said template, with said volume being filled with polymeric material.
 8. A method to determine relative spatial parameters between a mold and a region of wafer in superimposition therewith and having a polymeric material disposed therebetween, said method comprising: varying a distance between said mold and said region along a first direction while ascertaining relative alignment therebetween at multiple points along second and third orthogonal directions, with said first direction being orthogonal to said second and third directions to determine relative spatial parameters therebetween at differing distances along said first direction.
 9. The system as recited in claim 8 wherein ascertaining further includes sensing light diffracted from a Moire pattern positioned at each of said multiple points.
 10. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said ascertaining spatial parameters include ascertaining alignment, magnification and skew parameters.
 11. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinate systems further includes sensing optical energy diffracted at an oblique angle with respect to a normal to one of said two coordinate systems.
 12. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinate systems further includes sensing optical energy diffracted at an oblique angle with respect to a normal to one of said two coordinate systems and propagating from said multiple points.
 13. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinate systems occurs when said distance has a magnitude associated therewith from a set of magnitudes consisting essentially of 4 microns and 1 micron.
 14. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinate systems further including ascertaining relative alignment at a final distance, with a volume being defined between said mold and said template and filled with polymeric material.
 15. A method to determine relative spatial parameters between two coordinate systems, said method comprising: varying a distance between said two coordinate system along a first direction while ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinate systems along a second direction, orthogonal to said first direction to determine relative spatial parameters therebetween at differing distances along said first direction, said relative spatial parameters include relative magnification parameters.
 16. The method as recited in claim 15 wherein ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinates systems is along a third direction that is orthogonal to both said first and second directions.
 17. The method as recited in claim 15 wherein said ascertaining spatial parameters further includes ascertaining alignment and skew parameters.
 18. The method as recited in claim 15 wherein ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinate systems further includes sensing optical energy diffracted at an oblique angle with respect to a normal to one of said two coordinate systems.
 19. The method as recited in claim 15 wherein ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinate systems occurs when said distance has a magnitude associated therewith from a set of magnitudes consisting essentially of 4 microns and 1 micron.
 20. The method as recited in claim 15 wherein said one of said two coordinate systems is a mold with a remaining coordinate system being a wafer, with ascertaining relative alignment between said two coordinate systems further including ascertaining relative alignment at a final distance, with a volume being defined between said mold and said template, with said volume being filled with polymeric material. 